Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[waiwaiz]

O.....so early in season so many break down liao........I would feel that MU weakiest department shd be defence.......their midfield n forward are ok..Big team wil probably take note of that........

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by waiwaiz

O.....so early in season so many break down liao........I would feel that MU weakiest department shd be defence.......their midfield n forward are ok..Big team wil probably take note of that........

yes bro. 7 early 8 early fabio, ferdinand & vidic were out with injuries. and now smalling too. lucky we have smalling & jones who both can play at right back and keeping even rafael out of the starting 11.

but no worries lah, when the need comes, valencia can move to RB, carrick (slow as he is) can play at CB. not forgetting our dear old berbatov who deputised at CB vs Leeds! .

having said that, the injuries are clearing up. ferdinand should be back this weekend, even wellbeck, cleverley and chicharito are expected to return either this weekend or the next latest.

[mr_missile]

Fergie not fazed by Stoke test

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Stoke's progress under Tony Pulis and would never dream of criticising their style of play.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been a particular critic of Stoke in their three and a bit seasons in the Premier League, with the Gunners winning just one of their four trips to the Britannia Stadium.

Chelsea and Liverpool have also had their struggles, as have Manchester City. Indeed, the former two have already dropped points against Tony Pulis' men this season.

That form is in marked contrast to United, who have secured six straight wins since Stoke came back into the top flight.

Little wonder Ferguson is not fazed by Stoke's unique threat, not that he feels there is a problem with it anyway.

"I've never criticised it (Stoke's style of play). It's never been a problem for us.

"Everyone plays to their strengths. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

"You see the progress the team is making. They have signed two or three players, they are playing European football and having a right go.

"They have a great attitude and their support is brilliant.

"I love the atmosphere there. If you don't attend to that you just get engulfed."

It promises to be the biggest test of United's 100% start to the season so far and rookie goalkeeper David De Gea can expect a searching examination of his ability under the high ball, which has not always looked to be completely secure.

Ferguson will have to get his team selection right and to that end, he is pleased to have Javier Hernandez available quite so quickly.

The Mexican scored both United goals in the corresponding fixture last term but his hopes of being involved this weekend appeared slim when he limped out of Sunday's win over Chelsea following Ashley Cole's wild challenge.

Thankfully, the damage has not proved to be too serious and Hernandez is in contention to partner Wayne Rooney.

"Hernandez is very lucky," Ferguson said. "At the time he had no feeling in the leg. There was numbness and we thought there might have been some nerve damage. But he trained very well yesterday and is available."

With Danny Welbeck returning from a hamstring injury in Tuesday's win at Leeds, Ferguson's striking options are well stocked once more.

Little wonder Michael Owen reacted with such caution in midweek when asked whether his brace at Elland Road would lead to a further outing at Stoke.

As Owen himself said, he scored a hat-trick against Wolfsburg two years ago and still did not start the game afterwards.

Ferguson acknowledges that with so many choices in an attack, and Wayne Rooney always likely to feature for the biggest games when fit, Owen tends to get squeezed out.

"We are perfectly happy with Michael," said Ferguson. "He is in one of these unfortunate positions because the form of Rooney and Hernandez has been fantastic.

"It's the same situation for (Dimitar) Berbatov. He was top goalscorer up to Christmas but Hernandez then started performing the way he did.

"There is nothing you can do about that.

"We are delighted with Michael's contributions. In 12 starts that was his 11th goal - the other night he was absolutely first class.

"There's no doubt in anyone's mind what a great finisher he is. He's always had that instinct round about the goalmouth."

Nemanja Vidic is no nearer a recovery from the calf injury sustained in the opening-day win at West Brom and with Chris Smalling doubtful with a groin strain, Ferguson is glad to have Rio Ferdinand's presence.

Ferdinand has missed three games after suffering a calf strain at Bolton, after sitting out two matches following a tweaked hamstring sustained at West Brom.

Clearly, it is not the greatest fitness record.

However, Ferguson still views the 32-year-old as an essential component of his squad.

"Rio's experience away from home in a game like this is always important," said the United boss.

"If he is back we are well covered."

[machoman]

Originally Posted by KitKat

Nani's 100th appearance for United. He was named Man of the Match. That screamer of a goal, would it win him the goal of the season?

Bro machoman, got gif of Nani's goal?

Sorry, bro.....don't have.

[jitlong69]

I dont know w'ther it is a point earned or 2 points dropped. Of course Rooney is out due to injury could be SAF tactic and he was not even on the bench.

However I have to highlight the quality, the inconsistency of the referees and their assistants are terrible beside a below par performance from Man U.

Of course sometimes it works for one team and not the other and vice versa.

Next is, it is only 6 games and look at the number of red cards and yellow. Alarming. I think FA should do something.

I watch the match between Wolves and Liverpool and I watched with silent pride (because I was watching the game in a coffee shop where majority of the people were Liverpool fans and the rest were punters) The fighting spirit shown by the Wolves players had my applause especially the goal they scored from a nice built up. It is expected, Wolves to lost but they can walk with their heads up into the tunnel after the 90 mins. If they continue with this kind of enthusiasm and play for 70% of all the remaining match in this season I am very sure they will still be in the League next Aug.
Cause I was a Wolves fan and still cares for them.

Lastly, the good thing is Man U is still on top.

[mr_missile]

Rooney set for short lay-off

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Wayne Rooney to be out of action for more than a week with a hamstring problem.

The champions were held to a 1-1 draw at Stoke with Nani's strike cancelled out by Peter Crouch.

It meant United's 100% start to the Premier League season came to an end in Rooney's absence and the 25-year-old had earlier 'Tweeted' that he was "gutted" he had been unable to play, but hoped he would be fit to feature in the Champions League clash with Basle at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

However, when asked about Rooney's condition after the match at the Britannia Stadium, Ferguson told MUTV: "It is difficult to say. It's a hamstring. It is not a serious one, it is a mild one.

"I don't think he will be available for next week. It will be more than a week out."

England are next in action in Montenegro on October 7, when a point is all that is required to reach Euro 2012, and national manager Fabio Capello will hope to have Rooney available.

With Ferguson having brought Dimitar Berbatov into his first XI to replace Rooney, the United manager then lost Jonny Evans to injury in the warm-up and had to call in Antonio Valencia.

Javier Hernandez was the next player to be struck down, hurt early on after being tackled by Jonathan Woodgate and subsequently withdrawn and replaced by Michael Owen in the 11th minute.

Ferguson said: "It is not easy. With Hernandez he gives you that penetration and speed. That was a loss.

"Jonny got an ankle injury in training. We had a nightmare of a training session yesterday - Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Jonny Evans.

"Jonny thought he would be okay but in the warm-up it was no use. We had to make that change."

Despite the setbacks, United took the lead in the 27th minute when Nani played a one-two with Darren Fletcher, cut into the box and clipped the ball past Asmir Begovic.

David De Gea then produced superb saves to deny Andy Wilkinson and Jon Walters before the hosts equalised, Peter Crouch notching his first Stoke goal by heading in Matthew Etherington's corner seven minutes into the second half.

Crouch caused problems for United throughout the contest and Ferguson suggested the tall frontman was getting away with committing infringements.

Ferguson said: "He fouls all the time. He gets off with it because of his height but he jumps on top of defenders all the time.

"He has been doing that for a long time. Referees know that. Even with the goal he has maybe caught Phil Jones, but he is right above him.

"He is a handful in the air, there is no doubt about that."

Stoke had lost all six of their previous Premier League meetings with United

and Potters assistant manager Dave Kemp was pleased to see the sequence halted.

"It's a great result for us and the first time we have taken anything off Manchester United,'' Kemp said.

"They were the last team in the Premier League that we haven't got anything against.

"Having played very well on a number of occasions against them without getting anything, today we did and we are delighted.''

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by jitlong69

I dont know w'ther it is a point earned or 2 points dropped. Of course Rooney is out due to injury could be SAF tactic and he was not even on the bench.

However I have to highlight the quality, the inconsistency of the referees and their assistants are terrible beside a below par performance from Man U.

I watch the match between Wolves and Liverpool and I watched with silent pride (because I was watching the game in a coffee shop where majority of the people were Liverpool fans and the rest were punters) The fighting spirit shown by the Wolves players had my applause especially the goal they scored from a nice built up. It is expected, Wolves to lost but they can walk with their heads up into the tunnel after the 90 mins. If they continue with this kind of enthusiasm and play for 70% of all the remaining match in this season I am very sure they will still be in the League next Aug.
Cause I was a Wolves fan and still cares for them.

Lastly, the good thing is Man U is still on top.

rooney definitely out for at least a week due to a slight hamstring pull that he felt during the warm-up to the game vs stoke.

same warm up also ended with an injury to evans. double whammy for united just before the start of the game.

i would view it as a point gained at one of the most difficult stadiums to play in. was also a very good experience for de gea with all the aerial bombardments. he should emerge from the game more confident now.

having said all that, united's performance was reallt below par. whether it was due to rooney wasn't on the field to spark them or not, i'm not sure. but united are not a one-man team and one player's absence should not affect the whole team's performance.

saturday was really an off day & hope they will snap of of this slumber come weds when they meet basle in the champs league.

[mr_missile]

Fergie wants European glory

Sir Alex Ferguson cannot regard the last four years as a "golden period" for Manchester United due to the two Champions League final defeats.

The record books may show the current spell to be United's most successful ever in Europe, but Ferguson insists they need to win the Champions League trophy outright again in order to make such a claim.

United will resume their European campaign at home to Basle on Tuesday night - when they will be without leading strikers Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez due to injury - with Ferguson insisting his players need to strive for even better.

Ferguson told a news conference at Old Trafford: "The Champions League is the best competition in the world now, better than the World Cup, better than the European Championships, it's a fantastic tournament.

"But it's not a golden period for us because we have lost two finals, so I don't think it can be called a golden period.

"We have been consistent in the Champions League, our form away from home has been outstanding and we hope we can do better this year and win it, that's the aim of this club all the time."

Ferguson confirmed that Rooney would miss Tuesday's match with a hamstring injury and said that it was difficult to know when the England striker would be back in action.

"He's not playing tomorrow. It's difficult to assess with hamstrings but we hope we have him back quickly. He did a bit of jogging this morning but that's all," said the United boss on Monday.

Ferguson also said that Hernandez's dead leg would keep him out against Basle but that the Mexican should be back for when Norwich visit on Saturday.

Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov are likely to lead the attack against the Swiss club, though the fit-again Danny Welbeck could also feature - with Rio Ferdinand partnering Phil Jones in central defence.

Basle won their opening fixture in Group C 2-1 against Romanian side Otelul Galati and Ferguson said United would respect their opponents on Tuesday.

He added: "We played Basle a few years ago and they have always been the premier team in Switzerland. Switzerland have started to produce good young players - in fact they got to final of the European Under-21s this year.

"The national team has always been reasonably good and always seemed to represent themselves quite well and of course the Basle team have good experience of being in Europe quite a few times so we will respect that."

Nemanja Vidic is also missing for United - Ferguson hopes he will have recovered from his calf injury by the time the international break is over - while Jonny Evans (ankle) and Chris Smalling (groin) are also missing.

Antonio Valencia is likely to again be pressed into service as an emergency right-back with Rafael's injury set to keep him out for the long-term.

Ashley Young is expected to make his Champions League debut on Tuesday night and the England winger admitted it would be the fulfillment of a dream.

Young said: "I'm very excited by it. Coming to a club like Manchester United and playing in these big competitions is any boy's dream.

"I'm looking forward to being able to say I have played in the Champions League.

"I have been delighted with the performances I have put in so far but the matches are coming thick and fast and you have to be on your toes and ready every time you pull on the shirt."

[mr_missile]

Qataris issue United denial

The Qatar Investment Authority's executive chairman has denied reports linking them with a £1.6billion takeover bid for Manchester United.

Permission was granted last week for United to launch a floatation on the Singapore Stock Market, allowing the club to open dialogue with potential investors.

The development fuelled discussion about the future ownership of United, with reports suggesting that Qatar prime minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani was in London to negotiate a £1.6bn purchase of the club.

Sheikh Hamad, who is also Qatari royalty and executive chairman of the QIA, says he has no interest in assuming control of the Premier League club.

"That's not true," said Sheikh Hamad in an interview on the Qatar-owned Al Jazeera channel.

"We announced a few weeks ago that we did not negotiate that. A lot of people talk about 'Qatar now will buy this, they will pay that.' This also makes the price good for anything that will be sold."

The precise details of United's plans were not announced when their planned floatation was given the go-ahead, although it is thought the Glazer family are looking to sell 25% of the club, which they hope will net them £600million.

[mr_missile]

Young rescues sloppy United

Ashley Young scored a last-minute equaliser after Manchester United had blown a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Basle in the Champions League.

United had appeared to be strolling through the match, thanks to Danny Welbeck demonstrating lethal finishing with two goals in just 80 seconds to justify his place at the expense of Dimitar Berbatov.

But United had been given ample warning about Basle's threat with the Swiss side missing a hatful of chances before they stunned Old Trafford with three goals, two from Alex Frei and one from his namesake Fabian Frei, before Young's last-minute header saved a point for United.

Basle remain on top of Group C in the Champions League and this performance will provide Ferguson with some head-scratching, with question marks particularly against Phil Jones and Rio Ferdinand's compatibility in central defence.

The first half was all about Welbeck, however - having been a loan striker last season, the 20-year-old was a lone one against Basle with Ferguson surprising everyone, and not least Berbatov, with his formation.

Ryan Giggs played a key supporting role to Welbeck and was devastatingly influential with the vital touches to allow the young striker to finish.

The first came from a well-worked move. Jones brought the ball forward, Antonia Valencia took over and picked out Fabio's run into the box. A simple ball across the box was cushioned by Giggs into Welbeck's path and although he scuffed his shot slightly it still found the corner.

Just over a minute later and Giggs played a masterful ball that Welbeck struck home with a powerful low shot to make it 2-0.

Basle must have been cursing themselves with both Freis and Marco Streller all having missed the target from decent positions.

Basle coach Thorsten Fink must have been tearing his luscious blond air out, but the second half was a different story.

David de Gea had saved with his foot from Streller before Fabian Frei put the visitors back in the game. Streller headed on a corner and when the ball reached Frei 12 yards out he cracked in a blissful volley off the upright.

Fabian Frei then turned provider, crossing for Alex Frei to leave de Gea grasping thin air as the header soared into the net to equalise.

Ferguson had to go for it and he threw on Nani for Fabio with Valencia dropping to right-back.

Nani's first contribution was a negative one, however, as he gave the ball away and Basle surged forward. United's failure to clear their lines cost them dear as Streller burst into the box and Valencia brought him down.

Alex Frei made no mistake from the spot, blasting it high past De Gea and Old Trafford was stunned into silence.

Ferguson sent on Berbatov with nine minutes left and the Bulgarian had one chance with a header but Yann Sommer made a comfortable save.

The expected siege of Basle's goal arrived as time ticked away and finally Nani's cross found Young at the far-post and he headed it powerfully past Sommer.

Welbeck could have made himself the hero of the night in injury time but glanced his header just wide - and a winner for United would have been barely deserved.

[mr_missile]

Welbeck keen to prove his worth

Danny Welbeck is determined to repay Sir Alex Ferguson's faith in him and become the latest local lad to make good at Manchester United.

The 20-year-old was picked by Ferguson to lead the line against Basle in the Champions League - ahead of the club's record signing Dimitar Berbatov - and responded with two goals in an 80-second spell.

Welbeck's display was one of the few positives for Ferguson in the 3-3 draw which highlighted some defensive frailty for United, and the England striker is desperate for more opportunities to prove his worth.

Welbeck said: "The manager shows time and time again he will give local players a chance and it is then up to the individual to take it. I hope I can.

"I don't know whether it is harder for local boys up front to make it. I can only look at myself and take my opportunities when they come.

"To score those two goals was a bittersweet moment for me. To get two Champions league goals, I am buzzing about that, but we didn't get the win we should have done.

"I hope I have done enough to play against Norwich. We have some great strikers at the club and whoever is in there will give it 100%. I just hope I get my chances."

Welbeck had a successful season on loan at Sunderland last year but believes he is still developing.

"I think I'm a better person than a year ago because I went to Sunderland and got more minutes in the Premier League," he added.

"It was really good for my career and I'm just really pleased at the moment. Naturally I've been growing, I'm still only 20 years old, I'm 21 in a couple of months so I'm just naturally developing into a man."

[mr_missile]

The Sun (UK) Steven Howard: Carlos Tevez couldn’t have treated Man Utd like he has City

CARLOS TEVEZ has treated Manchester City with contempt for one very good reason.

Because he believed he could.

Also because, despite all the badge-kissing, he's never really felt anything for the club.

Certainly, he never refused to play for Manchester United — even at the end when he was clearly unhappy.

In fact, he used to scurry round the pitch even faster to show interested clubs exactly what a great team player he was.

How he fooled us all. And he never took on Alex Ferguson the way he has Roberto Mancini.

Even Tevez, epitome of the dangerous power afforded the modern-day footballer, was wise enough to realise Ferguson's untouchable position at the club meant there would only be one winner.

The difference between United and City is in the way they are perceived by the men who play for them.

Players at Old Trafford know from the start that no one is bigger than the club.

Some of those at the Etihad actually believe they, rather than Sheikh Mansour, are responsible for City's inexorable rise.

And because of that they can do what they want.

City have not helped themselves by bending over backwards to accommodate Tevez, his Machiavellian agent Kia Joorabchian and their ceaseless demands and bleatings.

It sent out totally the wrong message to a collection of big-shot, big signings who joined City not because of the stature of the club but because of the millions pouring into their tax-free, off-shore accounts.

They arrived at a club where everything was new.

It was an organisation rife with the sort of self-assurance only new money can bring — with Mancini himself possessing an ego the size of the leaning tower of Pisa.

Somewhere along the line, something had to give. That moment arrived on a mutinous Tuesday night in Munich.

There could not be a starker contrast than with United.

Youngsters at Old Trafford are imbued with the history of the club and the great players of the past.

All new arrivals are shown a film about Munich, its effect on the club and how United emerged from the debris even stronger.

Even when established stars arrive, they know what a monumental club they are joining. It is then you see them grow in the famous red shirt.

It happened with Cristiano Ronaldo and it is happening now with Ashley Young.

Yes, they DO have problems with players from time to time — with no greater recent example than Wayne Rooney.

The way things are going for him at the moment, it's almost impossible to believe he asked for a transfer last season.

It blew over in a couple of days after Ferguson and the player had a heart-to-heart.

As Fergie said: "Sometimes when you're at a big club it can be hard to realise just how big it is.

"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is."

Tevez, on the other hand, is not interested in any greatness pertaining to Manchester City despite the fortune the club has lavished on him.

His actions speak only of a man interested in his own ends.

In a matter of seconds he has destroyed the reputation he built for himself as one of the good guys not only at City but also at West Ham and United.

Typically, he tried to claim there had been another of those "misunderstandings" like the one that saw him fail to reply to a recent driving summons because either he didn't realise what it meant or his "staff" hadn't done their job properly.

It's always someone else's fault with Tevez.

But it always comes back to the same thing. Despite the protestations and cheap gestures of loyalty, he doesn't give a toss.

In the last six years in this country, he has earned enough to keep him and his heirs in the finest steaks the Pampas can produce for many years to come.

And yet after all that time he still has to speak through an interpreter.

That is a form of contempt in itself.

[mr_missile]

Nobody can ever save Sir Alex’s penalties during training... no one dares
— says Manchester United legend Paul Scholes

PAUL SCHOLES is an all-time great England footballer and, in an era of high-profile players, he has remained fiercely private.

Now, having retired from the game last season, the 36-year-old Manchester United and Three Lions legend has given fans a glimpse into his world through his frank book Scholes: My Story.

In The Sun's exclusive serialisation, Paul reveals his thoughts on a string of subjects, from Sir Alex Ferguson's penalty taking to his own tenacious tackling.

On Sir Alex Ferguson

I'M not quite so scared of Sir Alex now as when I was a boy of 12.

Don't get me wrong, there's still an element of fear, but back in my school days it could be a terrifying experience to see him coming down the corridor towards you.

Given his reputation, he was someone I definitely tried to avoid! But then you grow up and you understand why he does what he does.

He's the boss ... Alex Ferguson shows his sweet left foot in training

Occasionally he'll ask the opinion of the senior players, though not too often. Usually it will be to do with the mood of the camp, perhaps if we've had some bad results.

If you've got any problem, on or off the pitch, Sir Alex is the man to see. He's really sympathetic if there are family issues and he'll always give you time to sort them out.

If you want to learn how to handle the Press, there's no better teacher than Sir Alex Ferguson.

When I've been waiting with him ahead of a conference, it's been clear that he relishes the cut and thrust.

You sit back and witness the master at work. It doesn't matter what the issues are, he's always in control. Of course, he's in control of the entire club, has been for years, and you might say he's the ultimate control freak. Whatever he says goes.

A few years ago he used to join in training, often by playing in our boxes exercise — one-touch stuff with eight players passing and two defending. If you lose the ball, you take the place of one of the defenders.

The trouble was the manager refused to go in, always making out it was somebody else's fault.

To be fair, you could see he had a nice left foot and he loved taking penalties.

Nobody could ever save them — or perhaps I should say nobody dared to save them!

On England

I retired from internationals because I was missing my wife and children.

I have to confess I didn't enjoy the World Cup tournament in Japan in 2002. It personified all I don't like about international football — too much travelling, staying in a hotel an hour from the airport, flying here, there and everywhere for each game.

Having such young children and being away from home for six weeks was no good for me. Some lads can cope, but I struggled with it.

As a result my form and overall contribution were not up to scratch.

A secondary factor in my disenchantment with the England set-up was the selfish attitude of some other players. There were too many individuals there for personal glory.

I felt they didn't care enough about England, that they were using the national team as a way to be noticed. I found that very frustrating.

On growing up

I was always football daft. When I went to junior school, I would leave home half an hour early in the mornings and spend the time before the bell kicking the ball around the schoolyard.

Occasionally some mates would be involved but often I was on my own and that didn't bother me. I was happy as long as I had that ball.

On Sundays we'd play at the local field for three or four hours, then I'd go annoy the neighbours by kicking the ball against their fence.

On Eric Cantona

Everybody is aware of the inspiration he provided on the pitch but maybe it's not so widely appreciated that he was always a brilliant bloke, too.

In those days there used to be a players' pool of cash for various commercial endorsements and when it was divided we'd all get a cheque for the same amount.

On one occasion, when we were due to receive £1,500 each, it was decided that all the cheques would go into a hat, then whoever's name was drawn out would get the lot.

Now, £1,500 wasn't much to the older lads, but to the likes of Nicky Butt and me it was a load of cash, so really it was pretty stupid of us to take part in the lottery. When the Frenchman won the pot, everybody was calling him "Golden Bollocks".

But then Eric shut everybody up by just handing the money to Nicky and me, saying that we deserved it for having the balls to take the risk.

So the pair of us went home very happy boys, all thanks to the generous Monsieur Cantona.

On the pitch there were still times I was having to pinch myself to believe that I really was a team-mate of this great footballer.

On his footballing diet

I recall one youth team trip to Switzerland with Brian Kidd and Nobby Stiles in charge when they were eating spaghetti bolognese and I didn't even know what it was. Honestly, I'd never even heard of it. It was a case of: "Where's my sausage and chips?"

Later I realised I might have to change things when we discovered that I suffered from mild asthma, the theory being that my weight might have contributed to the condition.

On David Beckham

Becks was always amazing with his hairdos. It seemed like there was something new every week. It kept me entertained as I never knew what fantastic creation was coming next.

The special moment was always the "big reveal" when the hat came off.

It was like the curtains opening on a work of art. Did the other lads take the mick? Probably the first couple of times, but then we got used to it.

We all have different lifestyles, we all do different things when we go home. But so what?

Becks loves the game and always gives his all. During his time at United, nothing was too much trouble, no effort too great.

On the pitch he would always work on after training and in matches he was always available to receive the ball, his crosses were sublime and his work-rate was phenomenal.

Whenever we meet now he'll ask about my kids and family.

Genuine — that's the word that really sums up David Beckham.

On his tackling

Sir Alex, pretty well every time I went out, told me to watch my tackling, but he knew I had to make challenges as a central midfielder. It was very disappointing when I made one awkward tackle and got booked for it, as happened so frequently.

As the years went by, it felt as if some referees were less and less tolerant towards me, opting for an early booking rather than giving me a couple of chances.

But I never set out to hurt anyone.

What the stars say about Paul Scholes

Here, some of soccer's biggest names give their verdicts on Paul:

SIR ALEX FERGUSON: When he started to play you could see exceptional ability – but he was so tiny. One day I turned to my assistant, Jim Ryan, and said: "He's got no chance, he's a midget." That's become a standing joke. Jim never lets me forget that early assessment and I have to hold my hands up.

There's also wicked humour about Scholesy. For instance, it was never wise to go for a pee anywhere near the side of the training pitch when he was about.

I can remember Gary Neville doing just that, trotting a good 40 yards away and facing a fence.

There he was, doing his business, when suddenly – whack – Scholesy's hit him on the back of the head with a sweet right footer. He was that accurate.

Paul is one in a million and I was left to reflect on how mightily privileged United have been that he graced our team.

BOBBY CHARLTON: Let me make a little confession. In my position as a director of Manchester United, I know I shouldn't have favourites, but I must admit it – Paul Scholes is my favourite.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that for a long time now he has been my footballing hero.

Even in the last months leading up to his retirement, Paul was a master, a sensational performer, one of the finest in the world.

He always possessed that indefinable, special ingredient that goes into the making of a star.

Yet through all the years, with all the success he has enjoyed, he has remained the same lovely, unassuming individual.

NICKY BUTT: Once at the training ground he was so naughty that some first-team players put him in the tumble-dryer.

I can't recall exactly what he'd done, but I'm sure he deserved it!

STEVE BRUCE: We always wanted to make life as comfortable as we could for the young lads and banter was a sure way of doing that.

Another was by using a big, industrial tumble dryer at the training ground, into which misbehaving youngsters had to be introduced occasionally.

It might even have been switched on once or twice, but I'm not owning up to pressing the button. There are laws against that sort of thing.

WAYNE ROONEY: For me, Scholesy's the best footballer England has produced in my time. The way he controlled games, passed the ball, saw things others didn't see. It was such a pleasure to play with him.

GLENN HODDLE: Scholes was the jewel in the crown, the first name on the team sheet and unquestionably one of the finest England players of the age.

KEVIN KEEGAN: I'd give him ten out of ten for everything except his tackling and as a person I'd give him 11 out of ten, because he's a special lad.

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON: If you gave me Paul Scholes and ten others, I would be happy. I would tell them to give him the ball and then we would have a good team.

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Man Utd v Norwich reaction

Sir Alex Ferguson accepted Manchester United's performance was not one of their best in the 2-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Second-half goals from Anderson and Danny Welbeck allowed United to set a new record of 19 successive home wins in the Premier League.

They also stayed top of the table, by a single goal from Manchester City, allowing Ferguson to reflect on another job well done from a team that has dropped just two points at Old Trafford since the start of last season.

"Our home record has been fantastic for two seasons now," said Ferguson.

"This was not a good performance but we were gritty and we never gave in. That is a fantastic quality to have."

Ferguson admitted United could have fallen behind just before Anderson's opener, when Anthony Pilkington nipped in to rob Antonio Valencia just outside the home box.

But after Pilkington had rolled his shot narrowly wide, United seized the initiative when Anderson powered home a close-range header before Welbeck turned in Park Ji-sung's cut-back for his fifth goal of the season.

"I don't expect Anderson to score with a header," said Ferguson.

"I felt we needed someone to get hold of the ball up front. Danny Welbeck did that - and he also got another goal."

Ferguson also explained his decision to select Anders Lindegaard for his Premier League debut in preference to normal goalkeeper David De Gea.

"It was an opportunity to play Anders," said Ferguson.

"He is going away with Denmark this week but probably won't play, whereas David is likely to play twice for Spain's Under-21 team."

With England's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro looming on Friday, Fabio Capello will have noted Wayne Rooney's return from a minor hamstring strain and Ferguson confirmed Ashley Young will also be available for the trip to Podgorica.

"Ashley has got an ankle knock," said Ferguson.

"It wasn't worth the risk with him but he should be OK for England."

With 19 points from their opening seven games, United have reason to be satisfied given the difficulty of the fixtures they have faced.

A trip to Liverpool and a blockbuster derby with Manchester City loom immediately after the international break, so there is plenty for the Red Devils to look forward to.

However, Norwich were worthy of at least a point, with Pilkington hitting the post part of a succession of decent opportunities.

Asked if he felt his side deserved more from their trip to the north-west, Canaries boss Paul Lambert replied: "Yes, but that is the game. If you do not take your chances, they can come back to haunt you.

"Manchester United are one of the best sides in Europe. They scored eight against Arsenal not so long ago.

"If you switch off for a millisecond they will punish you."

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Anderson hungry for more goals

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has set himself a 10-goal target for the season.

Famously, it took the 23-year-old 78 appearances to bag his first United goal. He only got one more in the next 17 months.

Now, he is on something of a hot-streak.

Anderson's header in Saturday's 2-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford was his fifth in 11 appearances and helped preserve United's narrow advantage over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

"One particular aim is to score at least 10 goals," said the former Porto star.

"I am going to try my very best to score more."

With Paul Scholes now retired and watching from the stands, Anderson has been asked to play a major role for United by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He has now started nine of United's 11 games in all competitions this season and feels he is benefiting from the increased exposure.

"You can say it is my best start because I have never played five or six games consecutively at the beginning of the season," he said.

"It's been great to stay in the side and help make a big contribution.

"I feel like this is my time now. I have trained well, looked after myself and the boss has given me a chance. It is important that I take it and show everyone why I am here."

Anderson had been a subdued presence up to his crucial intervention yesterday.

Indeed, Norwich boss Paul Lambert was left with an acute sense of what might have been.

Aside from the goals, United created little.

Wayne Rooney brought a decent save out of John Ruddy with a stinging early shot, guided a header over just before half-time and was fractionally off target with an audacious chip when the game was won, but it was Norwich who carved out the best chances.

Anthony Pilkington wasted the best, nipping in to rob Antonio Valencia, only to roll his shot wide of Anders Lindegaard's far post.

Pilkington also had a shot deflected onto a post, while twice Norwich were one decent pass away from presenting someone with a tap-in.

"This league is relentless," reflected Lambert, whose team had won their previous two games.

"And Manchester United are a fabulous side.

"Look at the players and their history and tradition.

"They are going to be there or thereabouts again, not just domestically. They will go close in the Champions League as well."

Ferguson's side posted a club record 19 consecutive home games in the league, Danny Welbeck sealing the triumph with his third goal in two games three minutes from time.

However, the fluency of their first few performances has been lost even if the gritty nature of this latest triumph might be needed in their next two games, at Liverpool and against City at Old Trafford, immediately after the international break.

"We are all looking forward to our upcoming games," said Welbeck.

"It's going to be a big weekend for the whole city when we have the derby."

Ferguson has always felt Liverpool was the true derby for his side.

Although that view has changed markedly since Sheikh Mansour arrived on the scene, any trip to Anfield for the Red Devils is certain to be a high-octane affair.

In claiming Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Tom Cleverley could all be available after recent injuries, Ferguson would need to be certain they have reached a level that would allow them to make a significant contribution.

Vidic's presence in particular would strengthen a defence that has not been at its best over the past fortnight, although not much blame can be attached to Phil Jones, who has started six of United's seven Premier League games so far, and seems certain to be a regular presence for the entire campaign.

"I wanted to come to Manchester United," he said.

"Having played most games for Blackburn, I knew it was a tough ask to come here and do the same.

"But I am enjoying it.

"I love doing what I am doing now and perhaps I was needed too many times yesterday but that is what I am there for."